I enjoyed the reaction to last week’s article, even if I was surprised by the level of discussion my opinions on Ben Davies seemed to provoke.
Headlines can often grab attention but I thought my opinion was fair. I don’t try to be controversial but it’s important to be honest, even if that’s not always universally popular. I hope that’s something regular readers enjoy. I’m having a week off and staying neutral this week though!
In all seriousness, it’s been a positive seven days since we last spoke with Scottish Cup progression secured. Winning was the most important thing and we largely had control in Perth. Like most games, there was the odd dip which offered the opposition some hope but, aside from James Tavernier’s back-post clearance, our goal was largely untroubled.
A more cynical view would argue that the showing was quite bland on an admittedly poor surface. But on the back of an extra-time win at Hampden and the midweek trip to Kilmarnock it was just great to get through.
The arrival of Todd Cantwell on Monday was really exciting, even if unsurprising. He is a very confident young man and speaks extremely well. It wouldn't be a surprise if we see a bit of him this weekend, especially given the training time enjoyed by the group this week.
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He will require time to settle in but you'd have to be confident he can make up a piece of the puzzle Michael Beale is solving. The attacker will bring guile, an ability to play between the lines and by his own admission, see a pass that others can't.
In fact, could he be something of a left-sided Malik Tillman in this team? A starting 11 with Ryan Kent, Fashion Sakala, Alfredo Morelos, Tillman and Cantwell is certainly an exciting prospect.
Yes, like any transfer, there is an element of risk attached. As I said last week, focusing on the potential is the exciting part for me.
While the week has progressed I’ve grown excited and anxious at the club’s pursuit of Standard Liege midfielder Nicolas Raskin. The Belgian is an combative No.6 with an excellent passing range. His age profile is a perfect fit and by all accounts, the midfielder is interested in moving to Ibrox. He’s the one we all really want.
Our very own Derek Clark did an excellent live interview with journalist Sacha Tavolieri, who spoke well about the player. Statements like “he is prepared to go to war” alongside descriptions of his “long-range passing” has me really enthusiastic about this potential arrival.
At the time of writing, Chris Jack has confirmed a deal is yet to be struck between the clubs. Some reports in Belgian claim a pre-contract agreement is in place. If that’s true it’s about trying to strike a deal early so that Raskin can arrive in Glasgow as soon as possible.
But the window is slamming shut soon and we are still waiting for a bit more news in typical Rangers fashion. We would all like more than one and we would all most likely love Raskin to arrive.
On the pitch, we have another big week, with two home games against St Johnstone and Ross County sandwiched between a tricky trip to Tynecastle.
The aim is for performances to go hand-in-hand with results. However, if this time next week we’re speaking about six from six, I’ll be extremely happy regardless of the showing.
And a signing or two more may just put us in a stronger position.
There we go, I think I may just have managed to make it through without saying anything controversial! Six more points and I’ll speak to you all next week.
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